Direct Observation of Intramolecular Hydrogen-transfer Reactions Using Scanning Probe Microscopy

Abstract

Hydrogen(H)-bonding and H-transfer dynamics are involved in many important processes in physics, chemistry, and biology. I review our recent progress on direct observation of intramolecular double H-atom transfer reactions (tautomerization) in a single porphycene molecule on metal surfaces using low-temperature scanning probe microscopy. We have elucidated the reaction mechanisms occurring by quantum tunneling of H atoms and induced by various external stimuli such as heat, electron attachment, photo irradiation, and chemical interaction.